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Whether you're juggling multiple meaningless flings, dabbling in a spot of online dating, embarking on a new romance or bickering your way through the seven-year itch, The Man Whisperer is here to offer you her honest, no-nonsense, down-to-earth advice on your everyday dating dilemmas and relationship roadblocks.

Dear Man Whisperer
I know this sounds stupid but what are you supposed to do when you greet someone on a date? Do you shake their hand, give them a peck on the cheek, a peck on both cheeks or not touch them at all? I always feel really awkward and end up getting flustered and going bright red. Not the best way to start a date. Please help! Tania, 26, Hertford


A: On the contrary, it's a damn good question and, left unanswered, one that can lead to all manner of awkward situations in those crucial first few moments of a date. For our more tactile European cousins in France and Spain, things are much simpler as they use the same greeting - a kiss on each cheek – whatever the occasion. It doesn't matter whether they're introducing themselves to the CEO in a business meeting, greeting old friends or meeting someone on a first date.

Sadly, in the more reserved UK there is no set rule so even the most seasoned dater can only account for her own part in the proceedings. There's no knowing which move he is going to make. While you lean in for a kiss, he could well hold out his hand for a handshake. It's a bit like playing 'paper, scissors, rock'. You just don't know until it's too late.

To minimise the chances of nose bashing, head banging - or worse, that accidental kiss on the lips – I suggest you decide your plan of attack before you walk into the room. A handshake will make him feel as though he has turned up for a job interview, so my advice is to go for the British single kiss on one cheek. Then you can leave it up to him whether he wants to go in for the double.

Remember the usual trick is to touch cheeks lightly while kissing the air as opposed to planting a smacker. After all, you can't both plant a kiss on the cheek at the same time so that could again lead to an accidental snog if you're not careful. If you see a big lipstick print on his face you know you've probably gone wrong somewhere. But if you do get yourself in a bit of a confused tangle, at least it gives you something to laugh about to break the ice.

If you fancy him, this is a good time to assert a bit of flirtatious body language. By that I mean touching his forearm as you lean in, not slipping the tongue in.

But anyway, never mind the greeting kiss - that's the easy bit. It's the goodbye kiss you want to be worrying about. And unfortunately, there are no traditions and customs to guide you on that one.


Email The Man Whisperer about your dating dilemmas and relationship roadblocks at me@manwhisperersos@aol.com.


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